NEWS

Attendees                                       All present

Writer’s Note:  I am putting this at the beginning in hopes that you will read it.  As I left this meeting, I was approached by a young man that I did not know.  He did not introduce himself but proceeded to his question.  He asked if I found it concerning that there was a continuing trend for City Council to discuss more items in Executive Session instead of in front of the public in normal council session.  I responded that I had also noticed the trend and we discussed recent meetings.  His concern mirrors my concern; the public deserves to hear the discussions, and executive session is only for matters requiring legal counsel.  I will continue to follow.

Appearance before Council

PDRTA Executive Director Don Strickland appeared to give an update.  He again stressed that PDRTA serves the third largest service area in America.  This area includes 6 counties with 525 annual trips.  A recent third-party study showed the strengths and challenges of the service.  The service received excellent marks for service, routes and efficiency.  The challenges include: the massive area of service, financial limitations from funding and providing routes after 6:00p for workers.  PDRTA amounts to only 11% of city budget.  Strickland made a proposal for an intermodal hub to be built in Florence incorporating bus, rail and air transportation out of one center.

Ordinances

Creation of the Florence City-County Convention and Visitors Commission.  The commission will be composed of 4 seats from the city and 3 from the county.  The objective is to further promote tourism in Florence.

The city is still debating how they want to govern front window signage in downtown.  Due to continuing disputes within council, this topic was deferred for a second time.

An ordinance to establish an Opioid Response Commission was even deferred to Executive Session.  A reminder that these funds come from a national settlement.

Resolutions

Donnie Carter has been the driving force and director of Florence Veterans Park.  He was recognized for this achievement in his retirement.

The Flo-Town United Classy Queens were recognized for their contributions to the community.  The group was organized in March 2024.

A resolution authorizing an intergovernmental agreement with FS1 School District for the governance of an Aquatics Center.

Approval and acceptance of loan assistance monies from State Revolving Fund Clean Water Project to fund Phase 1 of the Jeffries Creek Sewer Project.  The project will include 11K linear feet of piping at a cost of $25M.  Phase 1 will address the Woody Jones – David McLeod area of the city.

Reports to Council

After a motion from Councilman McKay last month, there will be a monthly update of progress on water, sewer, and wastewater improvements in the city.

Water                                   16 projects

                                                7 in planning

                                                4 in design

                                                5 under construction

Waste Water                   7 projects

                                                3 in planning

                                                2 in design

                                                2 under construction

Sewer                                  6 projects

                                                2 in planning

                                                2 in design

                                                2 under construction

City Manager

Reported that architectural drawings for Levy Park are 90% complete.  The plan is to bid the park construction in the Fall with completion in 2027.  As a reminder, this is the site of the derelict motel formerly located at the intersection of Palmetto Street and Cheves Street.

Executive Session

3:15

5 original items with 4 items added